Every week we highlight one of our members from the TRU TRIBE Run Team. Meet Melinda Mulholland-Frei! If we can do it, so can you!
Why did you start running?
I started running after being diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis and COPD in the same year. After going through a bit of a period of inactivity (likely due to depression about said diagnosis) I decided I wanted to run to maintain good health. I was previously the one who hated running so much, I used to ditch PE class 🙂
What age did you start running?
50
How old are you now?
53
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
This is about ME…not anyone else. I have huge competitive drive, but I will never be a lead runner, and in fact I have continued to get slower due to breathing and weight issues, I am a true back of the pack runner.
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Seek a Coach (Lisa is a fabulous one!) to learn proper form, don’t compare yourself to others, find your tribe!!! It is amazing to have a supportive group rooting for you and supporting you.
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would have sought instruction sooner. Stretch, stretch, stretch, and cross train
What is your longest race distance and why?
so far, 50k and did 3 of them last year within 4 months. I never would have thought I was capable of completing that distance, but what an amazing way to challenge your limits. Chronic disease can be a limitation, I wanted to prove to myself, I will not let my condition(s) define me.
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
The Marine Corps Marathon is my Bucket List Race, I was signed up for the full this year through the National Pancreas Foundation as a Charity Partner. I was disappointed as they reduced the minimum pace for the live event, in an effort to reduce the field. They eventually changed the entire event to virtual due to Covid. I am still going to run the full marathon virtually here in AZ, and raise funds for the National Pancreas Foundation. It will obviously not be the same as running in historic DC
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
That is a hard question! I love all the Vacations Races half marathons I have completed, Tetons, Grand Canyon, Zion both day and night trail, Smoky Mountains, Lake Powell, fixed time are great to see how many miles you can accomplish overall, and visit/have fun doing so without the technical trail challenge
What is your favorite color?
I have previously said I don’t really have one, Purple has a special meaning to me not only is it TRU Tribe color, but it is also the color for Pancreatic Disease Awareness
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Any Juicy IPA (beer can count as food, right?) 🙂
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
I have met some amazing people through TRU Tribe, so happy to have found this community and be part of this amazing group of wonderful, supportive women!
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